Google


|   Home   |   Endo Treatments   |   Informative Links   |   How to Donate   |   Support Groups   |   Endo Docs   |
|   Inspirational   |   Songs to Laugh   |   Endo Awareness   |   Contact Us   |






Endometriosis


What is it?
Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial tissue, which is normally found on the inside of the uterus, is found outside of the uterus in the pelvic region. Although not common, it has also been found in places such as the arm, skin, brain, blood, lung, breast, and legs. During menstruation, this tissue will shed and move about the pelvic region causing inflammation and pain.

Endometriosis is believed to be an autoimmune disease that can cause other diseases, disorders, and conditions. Some of these are IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome), PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and Chrones Disease. Although many members of the medical community, as well as sufferers, contribute these to Endometriosis, it is not a proven fact that Endometriosis can cause any of the diseases, disorders, or conditions above.

Symptoms
There are a wide variety of symptoms. Some include, abnormal bleeding, painful intercourse, painful menstruation, pain during ovulation, chronic pelvic pain, chronic miscarriages. A woman with Endometriosis can also have pain throughout the month despite ovulation or menstruation. This is because of the adhesions the surgeries and Endometriosis itself causes. Also, a woman can get Endometriosis Lesions on organs causing pain and complications with that part of her body.

What causes it?
There is no known cause of Endometriosis. There are several theories. Some theories are that it is hereditary, the back-flow of menstruation, the theory that it travels through blood, that we are born with cells that never mature. This list goes on.

Who has it?
Endometriosis is not discriminatory. Women of all races, religions, and ages can have Endometriosis. There are even some cases of men that have Endometriosis, which baffles the medical community. It is estimated that about 5.5 million women in the United States has Endometriosis, and approximately 9.8 million people worldwide. That is the statistics for diagnosed Endometriosis only. Those women that live in third world countries and are not provided medical care may never know what causes their pain.

What cures it?
There is no cure. Doctors and researchers are still trying to figure out what causes Endometriosis. Once they find out what causes it, then they can find a way to cure it. We have a long road ahead of us before we can get a cure. For now, all we have are treatments that may or may not help.

How To Treat It
There are several treatment options. However, keep in mind, some treatments work well for one person, while it does nothing for another. Treatments are just that, they 'treat' the problem, but they don't cure it. Remember to research every treatment before trying it. It is important to take your health into your own hands and KNOW what is going on with you.







Copyright © 2005 Endo Victims